Summer Trip from Rockwood, Pa (GAP) to DC (C&O)

[Cyclesome]

Please help. I am organizing a bike trip from Rockwood, Pa to DC in July. My mom who will be 73 has always wanted to do this, and we just can't wait any longer. There are seven of us going so far and all are eager to do this venture. We plan on biking about 40 miles per day and staying at B & Bs, Hotels, and a Lock House. My main concern is how to get back to the Rockwood, Pa area. I called AMTRAK and they know nothing about bikes being allowed on the train at the end of June. What are my options for transportation back to Pa? Any additional tips, what to bring, what to see, where to stay, would be greatly appreciated.

[divingbiker]

Sounds like a fun trip. More power to your mom!

I've done the Cumberland to DC ride twice, once in 5 days and once in 3. Where you stay will depend on your mileage of course, but I would recommend any of the places I've stayed.

Cumberland--Holiday Inn
Little Orleans--Little Orleans Lodge
Hancock--1848 Trail Inn
Shepherdstown--Red Roof Inn (can do laundry here)
Harpers Ferry--Towns Inn
Leesburg--Best Western (ferry across the river and they pick you up)

As for transportation, that's always been the challenge. Other than renting a car one way or having a shuttle driver accompany you, I've got no ideas. I seem to remember that there was a shuttle service between Cumberland and the northern end, but I don't know anything about it. Maybe the Amtrak option will be available, but who knows when.

Have fun!

[indysteel]

I've just generally researched the GAP and C&O trails to see how doable they would be for me and my husband. If I remember, there are a handful of tour operators that offer a shuttle service. I don't know much beyond that. You might post your question on www.bikecando.com. It's a planning tool for both trails.

[Cataboo]

I think I heard from someone that amtrak decided not to do the bikes on trains thing.

I guess my only caution is that depending on when you're doing it in the summer, it may be very hot & humid. I don't know where you live, but if your mother's not used to those temperatures it may be hard on her.

[kmehrzad]

I think I heard from someone that amtrak decided not to do the bikes on trains thing.

WHAT??? Amtrak has decided not to do the bike transport? I've got to look into this.

[owlice]

First, congrats to you, your mom, and everyone else going!

I did C&O in 2009, and this year, am planning to do the GAP. Here's my "do I have everything?" planning thread for the C&O trip, and here's the trip report. Maybe you'll find them useful. Or not. Tough to say!

If you haven't already, you might want to join the C&O Towpath Yahoo! group, and also read Bike Washington's great C&O information; it's here.

I hope this helps; have fun!!